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Robert's Rules of Order

2008-2009
Stepney Elementary
Parent Teacher Organization

The following are excerpts from two websites: www.robertsrules.org and www.managementhelp.org. 
The content has been abridged to include the rules applicable to our PTO meetings.

 Introduction

Henry Martyn Robert was an engineering officer in the regular Army. Without warning he was asked to preside over a church meeting and realized that he did not know how. He tried anyway and his embarrassment was supreme. This event, which may seem familiar to many readers, left him determined never to attend another meeting until he knew something of parliamentary law.   Ultimately, he discovered and studied the few books then available on the subject. From time to time, due to his military duties, he was transferred to various parts of the United States where he found virtual parliamentary anarchy since each member from a different part of the country had differing ideas of correct procedure. To bring order out of chaos he decided to write Robert's Rules of Order as it came to be called.  These rules provide for constructive and democratic meetings to help not hinder the business of the assembly.  The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies requires all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action.  The assembly rules; they have the final say on everything.   Silence means consent.

 

1)  About Motions

About Motions

Purpose of Motion

To Enact Motion

Main Motion

to take action on behalf of the body

debatable; requires majority vote

Adjourn

end the meeting

not debatable; immediately voted upon and requires majority vote

Call for Orders of the Day

asks to stick to the agenda

not debatable; requires 1/3 majority to sustain

Call to Question

closes debate and forces vote

not debatable; requires 2/3's majority vote

Motion to Limit or Extend Debate

limits or extends debate

not debatable; requires 2/3's majority vote

Point of Order

is a question about the process or a particular motion

automatic if granted by Chair

Point of Information

to ask about the process or particular motion

automatic

Motion to Rescind

to change the results of a vote

requires 2/3's majority vote to reverse results of earlier vote

Motion to Suspend the Rules

suspend formal process for a short period

debatable and requires 2/3's majority vote

 

2)  About Debate/Discussion

Each individual motion that is debated receives a total of ten minutes of debate. The member initiating the motion speaks first. The Chair asks for a rebuttal. All members wishing to speak about the motion receive the opportunity to speak before any one member speaks for a second time.

 

3)  About Voting

Majority vote is more than half of the members. 2/3's vote is more 2/3s or more of the members. Be sure to announce what is being voted on before the vote.

 

 

Last Updated: 2008 April 22